It's formulaic nature and action clichés aside; perhaps the big surprise about Bichunmoo is that it's not from Hong Kong. Although it was shot on locations in China, and benefits from the imagination and skills of Hong Kong martial arts' choreographer Ma Yuk-sheng (Swordsman 2, Butterfly And Sword), this film is a Korean production, with Korean stars and the astonishingly stylish directorial debut from Kim Young-jun.

Set against the incredible backgrounds of Southern China, "Bichunmoo" tells the immortal story of Jinha, an apprentice of the all-powerful Bichun sword style, who, separated from his soulmate Sullie by a cruel twist of fate, embarks on an amazing quest to become a true master swordsman, before finally fulfilling his destiny in an incredible battle which will change his life forever.

Combining stunning art design and cinematography, poignant emotional drama, and incredible high-flying action sequences by famed Hong Kong fight choreographer Ma Yuk Sheng, "Bichunmoo" is an amazing action-packed adventure about a warrior who defies a Kingdom in pursuit of his one true love.

At the end of the Yuan dynasty, three powerful clans vie for power in China. Jinha is a lower class man, who is skilled in the martial arts under the care and instruction of his uncle. Having been friends since childhood with Sullie, illegitimate daughter of a powerful Mongol, he falls in love with her. After Sullie's mother dies, her father takes her away and pushes her to marry into another powerful family. Meanwhile, Jinha begins to learn the truth about his parents' deaths. Having been taught the powerful Bichun secrets, he is wanted by many, including the clans involved in Sullie's marriage.

REVIEW:
This film is one of the more controversial martial arts films out there. One of Korea's highest budgeted films ever, and based on a manga, it recieved mixed reactions to both its adaptation of the source material and its mix of styles into the epic formula. One should be warned that this does walk a fine line of style-over-substance and traditional period martial-arts epic. It's obviously not for everyone, but many, like myself, will find it uniquely entertaining and quite memorable.

Immediately, one will notice that this film isn't your all-out epic, Crouching Tiger-type piece. It takes that period epic, and throws in some comic-book style (likely due to its manga roots). We'll see the score range from emotional orchestral music during dramatic scenes to fast-paced, guitar-driven rock during action scenes - a good example of how the film's two styles mix. This may be jarring to some - though, I personally thought it gave the film a unique style. I certainly wouldn't want all martial-arts films to be like this, but it works well here.

The story itself can get fairly convoluted, but it is really interesting. I can't honestly say the characters were as well-developed as they could have been, but they still manage to get the empathy of viewers. Probably the biggest downfall of the convoluted plot is due to the cuts made for the film's official release. As Korean cinema was quite big on the idea of all movies clocking in under two hours (which has been relaxed in more recent times), a few key scenes were excised from the final version of this film. So, at times, viewers will find themselves disoriented, and it will take a few moments to gather what has happened from context. It is unfortunate, because this story is quite interesting, but it very multi-faceted and the loss of key scenes makes it harder to follow, introduces a disjointed jump in the narrative. While some fans hope to see these scenes restored in a special edition sometime in the future, some reports are that the source materials for the extra scenes has been destroyed.

Nonetheless, it's an interesting plot with a lot of political manipulation between the clans, as well as a nice love story with a major twist given to it during the film. The romance is not as convincing as some other epics out there, but still holds enough to make key scenes affect the viewer. It's likely that a lot was lost or condensed from the manga (which would explain much of the diappointment among the Korean audience), but that will not be noticed by those unfamiliar. The film is, again, style-over-substance at times - so the film doesn't press its epic proportions too hard and has no problem falling back into more of a comic-style narrative and action.

The action scenes most definitely fall into the style-over-substance category. Not in a necessarily bad way, though. I, personally, found them quite entertaining - but they are definitely not in the ranks of the martial arts classics. The involve lots of spinning, camera cuts, and comic-style swordplay. There is a significant influence from HK swordsman fims, albeit melded into this comic-style presentation. Those looking for fights like certain other epic martial arts films will be disappointed, but if you can take it for the style that it is - it's actually quite fun.

So, Bichunmoo is a tough one to really say 'yay' or 'nay' for someone else. I, personally, found it quite exciting and enjoy it thoroughly. Many people are all over the spectrum, from people who think its one of the most bad-ass asian films they've seen to people that abhor it. Keep in mind that it's a comic-style take on the martial arts epic, and has a bit of style-over-substance to it, and you'll be in a better position to judge for yourself.

REVIEW:
One of Korea's most expensive films to date combines dazzling martial arts action with a dramatic romance that would do Shakespeare proud.

"Bichunmoo" borrows from a number of film sources. First off, there is a very obvious similarity to Wong Kar Wai's 1994 production of "Ashes of Time." Aside from the frequent flashback that confusingly melds with the present narrative for anyone not paying close attention, the distorted and jarring camerawork during the action sequences is both intense and undoubtedly frustrating for fans of the more drawn out fight scenes found in the Yuen Wo Ping choreographed "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000). Hong Kong action choreographer, Ma Yuk-sing ("Dr. Wai in the Scripture With No Words") makes significant use of wires while fast moving edits and subtle CGI effects give the fight scenes a slick, albeit over-edited MTV video look. What saves the action from dissolving into a mess of quarter-second pictures of whirling, indistinct bodies is the lush cinematography. It effectively highlights brooding assassins and swordsmen in fantastic costumes. There is nothing like watching ten bad-to-the-bone black warriors in matching basket hats wading into a small army with swords at the ready. The locations were beautifully shot with some creative CGI effects to show the passage of time.

The film score deserves special mention. A combination of haunting symphonic music, driving rock 'n' roll riffs, and synthesizers effectively enrich the film with atmosphere and emotion. In fact, many scenes rely more on the visual and musical elements to carry the story forward.

What doesn't work in the film is the somewhat heavy-handed approach to a rather simple plot. It really comes down to a classical tale of lovers thwarted by fate and the melodrama of an angst-ridden anti-hero whose superhuman abilities and skill cannot supply him the satisfaction he desires. You have to ask yourself why these characters put themselves through such torture for love or duty. One reason Asian films are not more popular in Western culture is the fact that we're more jaded as an audience. I admittedly found myself groaning once or twice, wishing the characters would stop beating themselves up for some heroic ideal. In truth, the story is very traditional in the sense that the protagonists are idealists and remain loyal to their cause, right up to the end. Unfortunately, the emotional impact is dulled due to a scattered narrative that relies on too much non-verbal introspection and short takes. Nevertheless, "Bichunmoo" has a lot to offer considering the splendid music and visuals, frantic swordplay with an unexpectedly high amount of dismemberment, and some truly memorable scenes.

Set in China at the time when the country was under the rule of the Mongols the film tells a tragic love story of two former childhood sweethearts from completely different and incompatible backgrounds. Sullie (Kim Hee Sun) is the illegitimate daughter of a Mongol general while Jinha (Shun Hyun Joon) is a Korean immigrant and therefore of the lowest class. Jinha however is a master of Bichun secrets, an invincible style of sword fighting which makes him a target for those wishing to acquire the same skill. One person with such ambitions is Sullies father, the general.

When Sullie is betrothed to an aristocrat she tries to run away with Jinha but the pair are stopped by her father's men and her husband to be. In the ensuing fight Jinha is left for dead and Sullie is taken back to be married. Jinha is rescued and after a period of recovery he returns but the past events have turned him into a bitter, ruthless killer and his driving motivation is revenge.

Apparently Korea's most expensive film to date, 'Bichunmoo' is a lavish production featuring beautiful camerawork, exquisite settings and awesome fight choreography. Much effort is invested in the development of the central characters and their plight giving the film a high level of emotional content. This combined with excellent performances from the principal actors provides the viewer with a totally absorbing story. Director Kim Young-jin presents his vision against a gorgeous backdrop and gives the film a very striking look through the use of strong primary colours in its settings (especially red).

Although essentially a love story, 'Bichunmoo' is positively crammed with fighting and it comes as no surprise that the action was choreographed by a Hong Kong director as it is highly reminiscent of the new wave kung fu movies of the early nineties. Wire work is very much to the fore but it works with the film's historic setting. The action is all fast paced but without evidence of undercranking. Korean martial artists have long been key players in the kung fu movie genre and have ranked amongst the most exciting screen fighters of all time. As one would expect the level of skill displayed in this film is extremely high, even if doubles have been used, and the fight scenes are a match for just about any Hong Kong film I've seen.

With Hong Kong seeming to have all but given up on the kung fu genre 'Bichunmoo' is a welcome surprise for the martial arts film fan. However the film's high production values and intelligent story are likely to give it much wider appeal. Absolutely unmissable.